By : Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
Westlife Immortalised by Irish Postal Service on 25th Anniversary
One of Ireland’s most successful musical exports, Westlife, has been honoured in a unique way by An Post, the Irish postal service. To mark the group’s 25th anniversary, limited-edition stamps featuring the boy band have been released, cementing their place not only in pop history but also in Ireland’s cultural heritage.
Westlife, formed in 1998 by music manager Louis Walsh, has enjoyed global success for more than two decades. With over 55 million records sold worldwide and 14 UK number-one singles, the band has long been celebrated as one of the most iconic pop groups to emerge from Ireland. Now, their legacy has been given a permanent seal of recognition—literally—through stamps that will travel on letters and parcels across Ireland and beyond.
An Post described the stamps as a tribute to the band’s extraordinary achievements, both musically and culturally. “Westlife have been wonderful ambassadors for Ireland and its music. These stamps honour their global success and celebrate 25 years of making memories with their fans,” the postal service said in a statement.
The special stamp collection includes booklets of four National Rate “N” stamps, designed for domestic post, as well as 12,000 souvenir sheets showcasing the band as a group. Each of the four current members—Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, and Shane Filan—is featured individually on a stamp. The designs were created by Shaughn McGrath Creative, working in close collaboration with the band to ensure the commemorative release reflected their journey and identity.
For fans and collectors, there are further treasures. Exclusive photographs of the group and a special ‘Sligo’ edition stamp—recognising the hometown of Egan, Feehily, and Filan—have been included in a First Day Cover envelope. Byrne, the only member hailing from Dublin, completes the line-up of the modern-day Westlife.
In a statement, the band expressed their gratitude and pride at being immortalised on Irish stamps. “It is such an honour and privilege to be featured on Irish stamps, and it’s a very special way to commemorate our 25 years together. We’re so grateful to the fans who’ve been with us from the start, and we’d also like to thank An Post for this recognition. See you on the envelopes! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky, and Shane.”
The stamps’ release comes as Westlife prepares to continue its anniversary celebrations with concerts scheduled for October at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. Despite Mark Feehily announcing in 2024 that he would be taking a break from performing due to health reasons, the remaining members have carried on, continuing to fill venues and delight fans with their trademark harmonies and stage presence.
Notably absent from the stamp series is Brian McFadden, one of the original members of the band. McFadden, who spelled his name Bryan during his time in Westlife, left the group in 2004 to focus on family life. Today, he performs as part of Boyzlife, a duo with Keith Duffy, formerly of Boyzone.
Westlife’s career has been one of resilience and reinvention. After disbanding in 2012 at the height of their fame, the group reunited in 2018, much to the delight of fans worldwide. Since then, they have staged sold-out tours and released new music, proving their enduring appeal across generations.
An Post’s Irish Stamps Manager, Aileen Mooney, emphasised that the release was more than just a tribute to a band. “These stamps are more than postage—they are a celebration of Irish culture, a keepsake for fans, and a lasting tribute to 25 years of Westlife. They symbolise the connection between Ireland and the millions of fans around the globe who have embraced Westlife’s music.”
From Sligo beginnings to worldwide recognition, Westlife’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The stamps not only commemorate their music but also capture their role as cultural icons who helped put Irish pop on the world stage. Now, as their images travel across the world in envelopes and packages, Westlife’s legacy is stamped—both figuratively and literally—into history.
